Cholinergic Neurotransmitters

Cholinergic Neurotransmitters

Cholinergic neurotransmitters refer specifically to acetylcholine (ACh), a key chemical messenger used by certain neurons to communicate with each other or with muscle cells. These neurons are called cholinergic neurons because they release acetylcholine as their primary neurotransmitter. Function and Importance of Cholinergic Neurotransmitters Acetylcholine is involved in various physiological functions depending on where in … Read more

Labetalol

Labetalol is a dual-action adrenergic antagonist used primarily as an antihypertensive agent. It blocks both α1-adrenergic receptors and β-adrenergic receptors (non-selective β-blocker with selective α1-blocking activity). Chemical Structure & Formula: Unique among beta blockers, it contains dual-acting structural features (aromatic rings and a secondary amine) that allow it to block both beta and α₁ receptors. … Read more

Esmolol

Esmolol

Esmolol is a short-acting, selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker (beta-blocker) primarily used to manage rapid heart rates and hypertension, especially in acute care settings. Its rapid onset and very short half-life, esmolol is typically administered intravenously and allows for precise control of heart rate in situations like supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation. Chemical Structure & Formula: … Read more

Bisoprolol

Bisoprolol

Bisoprolol is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers (specifically, β₁-selective adrenergic receptor blockers). Chemical Structure & Formula: A selective β₁ blocker with an oxypropanolamine motif and additional lipophilic groups that enhance selectivity. Approximate Formula: C₁₈H₃₁NO₄ Mechanism of Action: Selectively antagonizes β₁ receptors in cardiac tissue, reducing heart rate and … Read more

Carvedilol

Carvedilol is a non-selective beta-blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity, used primarily to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack. By blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, it reduces heart rate and contractility, while its alpha-1 blocking effects help relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. Chemical Structure … Read more

Betazolol

Betazolol is a selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocker (beta-blocker) used primarily to manage hypertension (high blood pressure) and to treat glaucoma or ocular hypertension when administered as eye drops. Chemical Structure & Formula: Designed for ocular use, it retains the characteristic aryloxypropanolamine structure optimized for topical delivery. Mechanism of Action: Blocks beta receptors in ocular … Read more

Atenolol

Atenolol

Atenolol is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), angina (chest pain), and to improve survival after a heart attack. Atenolol works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in the body, such as adrenaline, on the heart and blood … Read more

Metipranolol

Metipranolol

Metipranolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker (beta-blocker) used primarily in ophthalmology to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with conditions such as open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Chemical Structure & Formula: Similar to other beta blockers, featuring an aromatic ring linked to a propanolamine moiety. Approximate Formula: C₁₅H₂₂N₂O Mechanism of Action: Acts as a nonselective … Read more

Propranolol

Propranolol

Propranolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker (beta-blocker) used primarily to treat cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension), irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), and angina (chest pain). It is also used to prevent migraines, reduce symptoms of anxiety (especially physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat), and manage certain types of tremors. Chemical Structure & Formula: Consists … Read more

Methysergide

Methysergide

Methysergide is a synthetic ergot alkaloid derivative that acts primarily as a serotonin receptor antagonist. It has been used in the prevention of migraine headaches and cluster headaches, although its use has declined due to concerns about long-term side effects, particularly retroperitoneal fibrosis. Chemical Structure & Formula: A lysergamide derivative closely related to lysergic acid, … Read more